Although the compounds work in the lab,
researchers have not yet started testing them for safety or efficacy in
therapeutic uses.

Stephen Feller

Kyeong-Ok Chang, front, a professor of diagnostic medicine
pathobiology, and Yunjeong Kim, associate professor of diagnostic
medicine pathobiology, in their laboratory at Kansas State University,
where they have developed broadly-neutralizing antiviral compounds that
may help stem the spread of sudden outbreaks. Photo by Kansas State
University

New
developments in antiviral drug research may lead to compounds that can
either quickly stem an outbreak in a crowded place or prevent one
entirely.

Researchers at Kansas State University and
Wichita State University report they have developed broad-spectrum
antiviral compounds that could help stop the spread of common viruses
such as noroviruses and rhinoviruses.

"Antivirals are therapeutic tools, but you
could also use them as a preventative measure if you expect to come into
contact or if you are recently exposed to viruses, especially if you
belong to high-risk groups because of pre-existing health concerns,"
Yunjeong Kim, an associate professor of diagnostic medicine and
pathobiology at Kansas State University, said in a press release. "That way, when you are exposed, you can have the antiviral in your system already."

The researchers' patented compound is unique
because it has a spiral-shaped structure that does not break up easily
in the bloodstream. Once it reaches target cells, it invades the cell
and inactivates the viral enzyme produced during replication --
preventing it from growing and spreading.

While the compounds appear promising, the
researchers caution they have not been tested for efficacy or safety
yet, and so are years away from possible use for treatment.

"Like any drug development, potential
compounds need to satisfy many additional requirements, including cell
safety and stability, and eventual antiviral efficacy in the body," said
Keyong-Ok Chang, a professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology at
Kansas State University.